There’s something irresistible about crispy fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce.
This Bang Bang Shrimp recipe delivers the perfect crunch, balanced with just the right kick of heat, making it a restaurant-quality dish you can easily recreate at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The shrimp are perfectly crispy on the outside yet tender inside.
The Bang Bang sauce is creamy, tangy, and packs a little heat without being overwhelming.
It’s simple to make at home with pantry ingredients.
Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even served over rice for a full meal.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Shrimp – medium, peeled, and deveined for quick cooking.
Bang Bang Sauce – made with mayo, Thai sweet chili sauce, and chili garlic sauce for a creamy, spicy coating.
Flour + panko – create a crunchy breading that holds up well when fried.
Egg and buttermilk – help the coating stick to the shrimp.
Vegetable oil – neutral, high-heat oil for crisp frying.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Pat the shrimp dry before breading for the coating to stick better.
Chill breaded shrimp in the fridge before frying—this prevents the breading from falling off.
Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature.
For extra heat, add more chili garlic sauce to the Bang Bang sauce.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp
Step 1 – Make the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and chili garlic sauce. Set aside.
Step 2 – Prepare the breading stations
In one bowl, whisk egg and buttermilk. In another, combine flour, panko, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika.
Step 3 – Bread the shrimp
Dip each shrimp in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, then back in the flour mixture.
Place coated shrimp on a plate. Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes.
Step 4 – Fry the shrimp
Heat oil to 350°F in a skillet.
Fry shrimp in batches for about 3 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels.
Step 5 – Toss and serve
Place cooked shrimp in a large bowl, add a few spoonfuls of sauce, and toss to coat.
Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side.
What to Serve Them With
Serve as a party appetizer with toothpicks.
Pair with white rice or fried rice for a filling meal.
Add to tacos or wraps for a fun twist.
Serve alongside a crisp coleslaw for balance.
Variations / Substitutions
Swap shrimp for chicken or cauliflower for a different protein.
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter sauce.
Air fry instead of deep fry for a healthier option.
Make it spicier with sriracha or cayenne pepper in the sauce.
Storage & Leftovers
Best enjoyed fresh and crispy.
If storing, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat in an oven or air fryer to bring back crispiness—avoid microwaving.
FAQs
Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.
Is Bang Bang Shrimp very spicy?
It has a mild kick, but you can adjust the chili garlic sauce to taste.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat them dry before breading.
What oil is best for frying?
Use neutral, high-heat oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and panko breadcrumbs.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Shrimp recipe is crunchy, creamy, and full of bold flavors.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that works as both a fun appetizer and a satisfying meal.
Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.
My name is Isabella, and this space was born from years of stirring sauces at sunset, baking cookies while the kids played on the porch, and finding comfort in a homemade meal after long, busy days. Here you’ll find delicious, reliable recipes made with simple ingredients, plus easy step-by-step photos and videos to help you cook confidently at home.